How to turn your bathroom into a home spa

Alicia is a writer and editor who spends entirely too much time on the computer and is convinced that wine makes her more productive. She has a passion for giving back which typically involves weekends spent with sick children or a home...

How to… get the spa experience

Having a relaxing spa experience doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Steal a few hours for yourself and create your own personal spa at home.

Natural, homemade products, fresh scents and relaxing music will give you the feel of a spa experience without ever leaving your home.

Step 1: Clear the space and prepare product

You’ll never be able to relax if your space is dirty, filled with half-empty shampoo bottles or a pile of laundry in the corner waiting to be put away. Take some time to clear the space and rid it of anything that will clutter your mind. Decide what treatments you want to give yourself, whether it be a relaxing soak in the tub, a face mask or a hair treatment. Consider doing all three to make the most out of your experience.

Step 2: Create ambiance

Set the mood by lighting candles and putting on some relaxing music. Most spas are always filled with fresh, relaxing aromas that instantly can put you at ease. Invest in a few selected candles or other ways to produce scents using subtle, natural fragrances. You don’t want the smell to be too strong or artificial or it will overwhelm the relaxing mood you're trying to achieve. Consider making a pitcher of cucumber water or a cup of herbal tea to enjoy.

Step 3: Relax

Once your products are prepared and the mood is set, get ready to relax. Put on the face mask and hair mask while the tub is filling with water. Add several drops of lavender oil to your bath water to enhance the relaxation. Add ground coffee in a filtered package, dandelion tea bags or Epsom salt for a cleansing bath or olive oil for a moisturizing bath.

Step 4: Make a day of it

The best part about having a spa day at home is that you don't have to drive home afterward (which can erase all the relaxation you just achieved!). Treat yourself to a fluffy new robe or a comfortable pair of pajamas, a bottle of wine and a great book. When you are done pampering yourself in your home "spa," curl up on the couch and keep the relaxation going.

Face mask recipe

Ingredients:

1 avocado

1/4 cup oatmeal

1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions:

Put all ingredients in food processor and pulse until smooth. Spread on clean face and let dry.

Exfoliating body scrub

Ingredients:

Grapefruit, cut in half

Salt or sugar

Directions:

Pour salt or sugar generously over the top of the grapefruit and use it like a sponge to exfoliate.

Hair mask

Ingredients:

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 egg

1 tablespoon honey

1 banana

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until thoroughly blended. Spread over your head, massaging into your scalp. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly.